Reviews

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed

On more than one occasion, amidst the sprawling and beautiful environments, you'll likely face some puzzle that never quite makes sense. In another game, the sort of trial and error needed for traversing these perilous situations wouldn't be a problem. Here it's a frustrating hindrance, mainly thanks to TFU's frequent and lengthy load times. It'd be less aggravating if the game didn't take ten seconds to load every time you die, go into your options menu, or upgrade something. Much of its action is hobbled by the technical equivalent of speed bumps.

Possibly the worst offense of TFU is the way that it fumbles epic setpieces. The expectations associated with huge moments toward the end of the game loom large, and the clunky mechanics completely undermine these great moments. Instead of feeling like a badass using the Force, you'll likely feel as exhausted as the character does after pulling off some big event. We won't delve into spoilers, but one of the most epic moments we've witnessed in a "Star Wars" title is undermined by awkward controls and finicky timing.

TFU does have its charms. It's a relatively handsome title that has plenty of environments that naturally flow within the "Star Wars" universe. From brawls on starships to lush jungle terrain, these battlegrounds bleed authenticity. It's not hard to see the top-notch production values, from the cut-scenes to the voice acting. The plot fits nicely within the story arc of the films, even if a few dramatic moments are a tad ham-fisted. By the time the credits roll, you'll understand a few more hows and whys than you might've prior to playing, especially if you're not a hardcore "Star Wars" fan. It's certainly one of the better "Star Wars" narratives in some time. In a game with so many gameplay issues, it's the plot and visuals that will likely keep you playing.

Depending on your ardor for all things "Star Wars," you might be able to forgive the flaws of The Force Unleashed and appreciate it as another piece of Lucas' greater narrative puzzle. It's certainly got the sleek authenticity one would associate with a "Star Wars" film. If you're not a Jedi fan, you'll likely be disappointed that the gameplay doesn't quite live up to the production values on display. Awkward controls and handling largely dilute the fun of "kicking ass with the Force," especially during a few big moments toward the end. The Force Unleashed spins an entertaining yarn, but its gameplay prevents it from becoming a rich contributor to "Star Wars'" interactive tapestry.